Boat Ramps

The lake is open for boating. All vessels must be pre-inspected by a certified inspector for clean, drained, dry prior to launch. If you have a seal and receipt from inspection, you can launch at any time following the instructions at the ramp.

Hand launching of boats that are exempt from ANS inspection (belly boats, kayaks, non-gas-powered canoes and rafts) is permitted also.

A pre-launch inspection for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is required on all trailered and motorized boats during the boating season. During some periods of time, inspectors may not be available at the park. You can contact our Dolores Office, 970-882-2213, or Area 15 office at 970-247-0855 for more information on securing a pre-inspection, seal and receipt. Again, this will be required prior to your launch.

A park pass is required on your vehicle when using the park, year-'round. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay post or at the park entrance.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:26 PM)

Boating

The boat ramp is open. Thoroughly understand the pre-inspection requirements prior to launching.

During boating season a pre-launch inspection for Aquatic Nuisance Species(ANS) is REQUIRED for all trailered or motorized boats to prevent the introduction of ANS into Colorado waters. ANS inspections can be done by appointment.

For a boat inspection when staff is not present at Mancos please call: (970) 882-2213 (our Dolores office) or (970) 247-0855 (Durango Parks & Wildlife office) to schedule an inspection.

Remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat between uses to reduce the risk of transporting aquatic nuisance species that can ruin water recreation areas!

For more information on the boating rules, ANS, and safety information please see CPW's Boating section. Register your boat, or call our Dolores office, (970) 882-2213. When the entrance gate is staffed at Mancos (May-September) boats can be registered at the park. Boat registrations can also be completed at our Dolores office during staffed hours (8 am -5 pm Tuesday through Friday).

Boat registrations are valid from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:27 PM)

Camping

NOTICE: a forest health project was completed in April. Please excuse our sawdust and slash while the forest and understory health improves in response to the project.

All of the park's campsites are open and the yurts are available and make such a great getaway! Reservations are definitely recommended during the summer (Memorial Day-Labor Day) but not in the off season, as there is plenty of site availability.

In total, Mancos State Park has 32 campsites and 2 yurts. There are no electrical or water hookups in any of the sites. "Community" water hydrants are available in the main campground and vault toilets are located throughout the park, several of which are kept open in through the winter.

The RV dump station is open and available to those with a Mancos SP camping pass.​

Yurt reservations can be made online, or by calling (800) 678-2267 or if you are in the Denver metro area, (303) 470-1144. ​

Yurt reservations are required year round. Campsite reservations are recommended for the summer months (late May-Sept).

Please purchase your park pass and camping permit at the self-serve station when the entrance is closed. Parks passes are required for vehicles in the park year-round. An annual pass or day-use pass is required on each vehicle. Annual passes may be purchased online and at Parks & Wildlife offices.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:28 PM)

Cell Phone Coverage

Most cell phone service companies can receive and send calls from the park, including 3G and in some cases LTE. There may be some areas where no service is available (on some of the trails outside of the park).

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:28 PM)

Construction

Replacement of the entrance station, water system improvements, and fencing projects will be occurring. Debris and disturbance from those projects will remain for a while. Feel free to contact the park 970-533-7065 or our Dolores Office 970-882-2213 for more information prior to your arrival.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:30 PM)

Fire Restrictions

Fires are limited to designated fire rings and BBQ stands. No additional fire restrictions are currently in place.

Bundles of firewood available at the entrance station in the summer for $5/bundle. During the off-season, wood may not be available at the park. We prefer you use this locally harvested wood to reduce the risk of introducing insect pests or diseases.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:30 PM)

Fishing Report

It's going to be another great year of fishing at Mancos State Park! We're seeing some very nice 18-24" rainbow trout coming out this spring, along with the numbers of fish in the 12" average range. Great opportunity for kids to get some action. Most anglers are finding success with bait (PowerBait, eggs, and crawlers) fishing just off bottom or under a slip bobber. For a chance at the yellow perch and trout, a small jig fished under a bobber on a long leader and tipped with a piece of worm is a good bet. Trolling typical in-line spinners (Panther Martins, Mepps) from boats ​is another approach at the trout. The lake will likely stay full until after July 4th this year. That newly-inundated habitat can be a good place to look for larger rainbow and brown trout cruising the shoreline for prey at dusk and dawn. Use a perch imitation crankbait.

A park pass is required on vehicles in the park. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay station at the park entrance.

For fishing rules/regulations and information, please visit the Fishing page.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:35 PM)

Hunting

While there is no hunting within Mancos State Park, the campground does make a great base camp for hunters accessing
nearby US Forest Service lands.

The upper loop of the main campground is kept
open all year.

Heated yurts are available that sleep six. For yurt reservations
call 1-800-678-2267 or follow the links on our website.

If you are interested
in a limited access hunting experience, you can put in for a special use permit
drawing to hunt in nearby Lone Mesa State Park. Please view the Lone Mesa
State Park Hunting page or call our Dolores office at (970) 882-2213.

Icing Conditions

Park Entrance

Mancos State Park is open year round but the entrance station only opens in the summer. The station will open Memorial Day weekend on a regular daily schedule for registrations, passes, and licenses.

When the entrance station is not staffed be sure to stop at the self-serve station, at the park entrance, to purchase your park pass and camping permit. An annual park pass or daily park pass is required on every vehicle, every day of the year. To purchase an annual pass in the off-season please call our Dolores office at (970) 882-2213. The entrance station will open on its summer schedule starting Memorial Day weekend.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:36 PM)

Road Conditions

All roads are open and in good condition. Please park in designated parking areas only.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:37 PM)

Spring Colors

(Updated: 6/16/2016 1:20 PM)

Trails

Trails are wet in places, but generally in good condition. The park's five-mile system connects to several additional miles of USFS trails.

(Updated: 5/9/2017 1:38 PM)

Water Levels

It's going to be a great summer for lake levels. The lake is near full now and expected to remain at or near full through July 4th.